UH hopes to avoid
rolling the dice
WACTournament is the
By Cindy Luis
ace in the hole for Wahine
Star-BulletinLAS VEGAS -- Vince Goo usually loves this town, with its challenging golf courses and even more challenging casinos. But the University of Hawaii women's basketball coach lost big during his visit to the Thomas & Mack Arena in March. Lady Luck ran the other way in the WAC Tournament and the NCAA Selection Committee looked the other way when it came to extending UH a postseason invitation.
This season, Goo and the Wahine don't want to play any games of chance. The only way to not be ignored by the NCAA is to earn the automatic berth that goes with winning the WAC Tournament.
"Our ladies remember how good it felt when we won the Big West Tournament (in 1996)," said Goo, who addressed the WAC media representatives today. "We sure liked the taste of that and would like to taste that again. Besides, winning the tournament is the only way you can make sure you're in."
Goo's teams have rolled some big numbers during his 10 seasons, with 20 or more wins seven of those years. But a 28-4 record wasn't good enough in 1993. Nor was last season's 21-8 mark.
"We don't want that to happen this year," said Hawaii senior guard Nani "Maika" Cockett, an All-American candidate and one of four returning starters for the Wahine. "It's not the way I want to end my career."
Cockett, ranked in the top 10 in four conference statistical categories last year, is one of the reasons the WAC coaches respect Hawaii. In the preseason coaches poll, the Wahine are favored to win the Pacific Division.
Also back for Hawaii is forward Raylene Howard, the WAC Freshman of the Year last season, and junior point guard BJ Itoman, a member of the all-WAC defensive team.
Senior forward Brandi Ashby will move to center to try fill the void left by the graduation of Kendis Leeburg. The other forward position may be filled by committee, with freshman Lydia Afualo sharing time with junior Kylie Page and senior Destree Wautlet.
UH's toughest competition is expected to come from San Diego State, which humbled the Wahine, 74-48, in the WAC Tournament semifinals. The Aztecs return three of their top scorers and six players from the 23-7 team that led the nation in scoring defense (52 points per game).
Also of concern will be Rice and SMU, part of Quad-4 that rotates into the Pacific Division this season. But Hawaii won't face two of the tougher teams in the WAC --Utah and Colorado State of the Mountain Division -- during the regular season.
Hawaii is doing its part to upgrade the WAC's conference rating. The Wahine host four preseason tournaments that include teams from the Pac-10 (California), Southeast Conference (Alabama), Big 12 (Iowa State) and Big Ten (Michigan State).
"I think our ladies are on a mission," Goo said. "BJ worked very hard over the summer. Maika will have a good year. She's put in a lot of time and is very focused. I think we have a chance to be a good team. We're hoping for another 20 wins."
Maybe this season, hitting 21 will be a winning hand.
1997-98 Wahine Basketball
Schedule and Recordhttp://uhathletics.hawaii.edu
